Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[1muttsfan]

Got this email today, sharing with you -

"Hidden Creek Farm in Muskegon has been in a legal fight since May 2019

This MAEAP Verified Organic Farm established in 2015 is dedicated to offering and providing their customers with the best food possible in the most sustainable way.
The legal battle began when an alleged nuisance complaint was filed against Hidden Creek Farm by their township. However, Hidden Creek Farm was found to be in compliance with all applicable GAAMPs by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), and is therefore protected from nuisance lawsuits under the Michigan Right to Farm Act.

On April 6, 2020, however, the Muskegon Circuit Court issued an opinion that challenges the current procedures that MDARD uses for determining compliance with the Site Selection GAAMP. The opinion states that measurements for Site Selection should be taken from the property line rather than from the barn or livestock facility, as is the current procedure established by MDARD. The procedure used by MDARD resulted in a determination that Hidden Creek Farm is a Category 3 farm, while the procedure proposed by the judge would define the farm as Category 4. Category 4 farms are by definition not compliant with the Site Selection GAAMP, and so are not protected under the Right to Farm Act.

If this ruling stands, Hidden Creek Farm is at risk of being forced to shut down. And since zoning is no longer a consideration in the Site Selection definition of "primarily residential", all other farms in Michigan could face the same legal challenges if this precedent is set.

Hidden Creek Farm needs immediate relief so they continue to farm. There are two ways you can help. First, if you are able, please consider making a donation to the Michigan Small Farm Council. We are working with the Farm to Consumer Legal Defense Fund to support the legal defense of Hidden Creek Farm. Second, write to MDARD to ask that they they quickly implement changes to the Site Selection GAAMP to define the procedures by which farms are classified as Category 4, in a way that is consistent with the procedures already in place. "

What are GAAMPs and Site Selection?
Where can I find the Michigan Right To Farm Act?
The Michigan Small Farm Council supports Lee and Crystal during their legal challenges.
The Farm to Consumer Legal Defense Fund continues to assist and represent Lee and Crystal during the court proceedings.
We need your help and support to save this farm and potentially many more farms in Michigan.

 

[kcan2]

You are South of me a ways, let me know when they show up and I'll get my feeder out. I hope they don't come too soon, I see snow is in the forecast again in the next couple days, along with highs in the 30s

Oh no, are you kidding? Snow be gone! I put out our hummingbird feeder because I saw a bumblebee, and someone had told me that where where are bees, there are usually hummers. We are watching our hummer feeder like hawks, so I will let you know when we see one.

 

[Folly's place]

I've seen bumblebees here, and Rufous sided Tohees, and Rose breasted Grosbeaks. Love spring! New chicks shipping from Cackle today, hope they come tomorrow, overnight like the batch three weeks ago.
Again, I wasn't alerted that this thread had messages. WHY??? I need to check more often, alerts or not.
Welcome Amanda!
Time to go outside and dig in the dirt...
Mary

 

[Candy442]

I've seen bumblebees here, and Rufous sided Tohees, and Rose breasted Grosbeaks. Love spring! New chicks shipping from Cackle today, hope they come tomorrow, overnight like the batch three weeks ago.
Again, I wasn't alerted that this thread had messages. WHY??? I need to check more often, alerts or not.
Welcome Amanda!
Time to go outside and dig in the dirt...
Mary

Can't wait to hear about the chicks! Ours are growing huge! so far very happy with my Cackle order.

 

[aart]

5 hatched, not sure the last 1 will.
3 males 2 females...but 1 of males died(stepped on by mama?)
Hope it wasn't because I was peeking to much.
Her footing wasn't good when I first gave her eggs, new footing skills needed with live chicks.

Crammed Crop finally eating her meds and slowly improving.

 

[1muttsfan]

We've had bumblebees out here too. Snow -

Had some more exotic visitors today, I was out on the beach picking up driftwood and saw a pair of Caspian Terns. I've never seen one here before, although I've seen them in Florida. this is apparently within their migration and breeding range, but they are certainly not common here.

 

[kcan2]

We've had bumblebees out here too. Snow -

Had some more exotic visitors today, I was out on the beach picking up driftwood and saw a pair of Caspian Terns. I've never seen one here before, although I've seen them in Florida. this is apparently within their migration and breeding range, but they are certainly not common here.

Wow, that would be a unique sight to see. I wonder what the terns will think if it snows again?

 

[Folly's place]

Hubby saw an Oriole today! Love it!
Brooder all set up for the chicks, may they arrive tomorrow...
Mary

 

[yorkchick]

Well, I have finally made progress on improving life for my poor lonely peacock, Maurice. I am paranoid about his safety since I have had so many losses to predators, and he’s been very safe in the barn... but I’m sure also lonely and booooored.

I started a thread over on the Peafowl section with questions about finishing the pen and predator security, but I know many of the Michigan peeps are really good at predator-proofing and such. I’d appreciate any thoughts any of you have if you get a chance to take a look:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/advice-on-outside-pen-for-peacock.1370963/

Thank you and hope everyone is staying healthy!

 

[1muttsfan]

Hi Yorkchick! I hope Maurice appreciates your efforts